By rotating the ignition key while it is in the ignition, you can unlock your steering wheel. A steering wheel might lock due to mechanical issues, security features, and frequent rapid rotations.
1) To start, place your key in the ignition switch and gently spin it. The steering wheel can be unlocked by turning the key. If you are having trouble switching the ignition to the ACC position, you can remove any tension by rotating the key while turning the steering wheel back and forth.
2) You can only turn the steering wheel in the opposite way when it is secured with a pin on one side. Apply pressure on the steering wheel in the direction the wheel is moving as you turn the key.
3. Watch out not to shake the steering wheel excessively. This could damage the locking pin, making it less likely that your wheel will unlock.
4) If your key is worn and doesn’t seem to work through the procedure, pull the key out a little from the ignition before turning it.
We strongly advise making an immediate trip to one of our Kia Service Centers if the issue persists.
Issues with the power steering pump
– A blockage in the power steering pump is the most frequent cause. Drivers may manoeuvre their cars conveniently thanks to the power steering pump. But an unexpected engine power outage could cause the steering pump to malfunction, locking the wheel.
2) Safety and security measures
The security feature of the car, which locks the steering wheel to prevent theft, will be the cause, unless you have any serious issues with the vehicle. If the handbrake fails or the car is parked on a steep mountain, the steering wheel may also lock in order to prevent the vehicle from rolling back down the hill.
3) Repeated quick twists
– The steering wheel may lock if you make sudden turns a lot. Additionally, it harms the engine and transmission, lowering the car’s overall performance.
4) Unexpected lock-up
– The locked steering wheel cannot be opened by inserting and rotating the key if the ignition system is dirty or worn out. Such a failed system can make it difficult for drivers to start and stop the engine, and if it happens while the vehicle is moving quickly, it may put the driver in danger.
5) Failure of the engine control unit (ECU)
– Although this is a rare reason, it might nonetheless result in a steering wheel lock. A damaged ECU may cause a sensory problem that activates the steering wheel locking mechanism. Additionally, a malfunctioning ECU prevents power from reaching the power steering pump, which locks the steering wheel.
In This Article...
When driving, what causes the steering wheel to lock up?
The most common cause of a steering wheel lockup while driving is possibly a lack of power steering fluid or unclean power steering fluid. You can easily move the wheels with the power steering system, especially at lower speeds like parking lot maneuvers.
Why would my key not turn in the Kia ignition?
The most frequent causes of a Kia Soul key not turning include a stuck ignition switch, a binding steering column or lock, or an issue with the ignition key. To speak with a specialist about your problem, look through our network of RepairPal Certified stores close you.
Q: How to unlock a steering wheel push to start?
How can I unlock the push-to-start button on my steering wheel? You must have noticed that when you turn off your car and remove your key, the steering will lock. Therefore, there are two ways to unlock your steering wheel while using a push start button.
- You might try lightly shaking the steering wheel back and forth while applying the brake and pushing the start button once.
- You can remove your foot from the stop pedal, push the start button twice, and move the steering wheel simultaneously. The ignition will start with either choice.
Q: What causes the power steering wheel to lock?
(1) A power steering system issue; a leak in the power steering fluid or a power steering system that becomes blocked or stuck could result in steering wheel lock-up.
(2) The steering wheel features an auto-lock feature that locks the steering when you turn off the engine and take your key out of the ignition. To reduce the frequency of auto theft, this function was included.
(3) If there is a problem with the steering column, rack, or suspension parts, your steering wheel may lock while you are driving. Even though it is uncommon, this does happen.
Q: What happens if my steering wheel locks up?
If your steering wheel locks up unexpectedly while you’re driving, you won’t be able to turn it to steer clear of traffic, which could cause a serious car accident if someone is trying to pass you. Power steering leaks, unclean steering fluid, or a problem with the suspension or steering column could all be contributing factors, though.
Q: Can a steering wheel lock while driving?
Yes! Even still, this is a rare instance. The automatic locking steering mechanisms seen in the majority of contemporary cars are only intended to engage while the car is stationary or parked. This is a safety and theft-prevention system.
Q: How much does it cost to unlock a steering wheel?
If you adhere to the recommendations above, unlocking a steering wheel could practically cost you nothing. However, the price to unlock a steering wheel can range from $100 to $400, depending on the nature of the issue, the cost of the parts, and the labor rate.
The ignition is locked, why?
While getting your car key locked in the ignition is never nice, don’t freak outthere are a few simple remedies you may attempt before concluding there is a more serious technical issue. Check out some advice for removing a stuck ignition key from U Wrench It, your neighborhood auto salvage yard.
Evaluate the key position.
Is the key locked or unlocked? If the key has been twisted too far, which is a regular issue when ignition cylinders deteriorate, you might be able to see it. Many hefty keys or keychains may be tugging on the cylinder and causing greater wear and tear than usual if you have them.
Unlock the steering wheel.
Sometimes a stuck ignition key is really caused by a locked steering wheel. The ignition switch may retain your key in place until the steering wheel is freed if the steering wheel locks up. Try rotating the key slowly while rocking the wheel side to side. Don’t try to force the key or you can break off a piece of it in the ignition!
Make sure the vehicle is actually in park.
You might have an issue with your shifter linkage if you can shift out of park after turning the car off. You won’t be able to take the key out of the ignition if the automobile is not secured into the park position.
Check the battery.
A dead battery may be to blame for a locked ignition key in today’s electronic vehicles. Your battery is probably dead, and your car’s theft-deterrent measures are activating since it can’t recognize the chip in your key if the lights won’t turn on.
You might require a more involved repair, such as replacing a worn out wheel lock cylinder, if you still can’t remove the key after jumping or changing the battery. To discover the correct item for your do-it-yourself auto repairs, browse through our online collection of used auto parts or stop by our shop.
Why won’t the key or remote work to open my car?
It can be quite aggravating and even hazardous if your key fob won’t open the door to your car, especially if you have a young child or pet locked inside. Here are a few explanations for why your smart or remote key fob isn’t opening the door, along with solutions.
Any of the following could be the source of your issue if nothing happens when you push the unlock button on your remote control or key fob:
Your remote control or smart key fob’s battery is either dead or too low to maintain a strong signal. Replace the battery by opening the fob.
Your vehicle’s receiver(s) for the keyless entry system may not be receiving the signal from the key fob. When pressing the unlock button, try holding the fob close to the door handle. If it opens the door, there might be an issue with the key fob’s battery, the keyless entry antenna, or the wiring.
The unlock button on the key fob itself can be problematic. Try the panic, trunk release, and lock buttons. If the other buttons function properly, a faulty unlock button is the issue. You’ll require a fresh key fob (which will have to be programmed to your vehicle). The fob may be damaged, the keyless entry antenna, or the wiring may be at fault if none of the other buttons function after you have tried a new battery in the fob.
Your key fob’s entry code is missing. Every time you use the key fob to unlock or start your car, the rolling code that many automobiles employ changes. It can be necessary to have the fob reprogrammed by a car dealer if a communication error has corrupted the coding inside.
The electric door locks might be broken. The power door locks could not be able to unlock due to a problem with the wiring or control circuitry or even a blown fuse. To find the defect, the electrical system will need to be further diagnosed.
Your car’s battery is nearly dead or very low. Before the power doors may unlock, the car battery may need to be changed or given a jump start. Of course, you won’t be able to open the hood until you find another way to enter the car.
HOW TO GET THE DOOR UNLOCKED WITH A DEAD KEY FOB
You either have a faulty fob or a problem with the keyless entry system or power door locks if nothing happens when you push the unlock button on your remote entry key fob after trying to replace the battery inside.
Try using a spare smart or remote entry key fob to unlock the door if you have one. If it functions, you must get a new key fob to swap out the other one. If the spare breaks, the automobile, not the key fob, is at fault. The automobile may need to be towed in order to be diagnosed and repaired at a service center or car dealership.
Look inside your key fob to see if there is a secret key if getting into your automobile straight away is necessary. A hidden emergency door key is present in the majority of automobiles with a keyless entry system and Smart fob (Start button in place of an ignition switch and conventional key). The key can normally be removed from the fob by pressing a small release catch or button on the back of the device. The door can then be unlocked with the key.
There is typically a “hidden” key slot underneath the handle trim close to the edge of the door if the door handle does not have an evident keyhole to accept the emergency key or a valet key. The handle trim’s bottom may have a tiny slot in it. To remove the trim cover, insert the key into this slot. Some coverings can be removed by sliding them to the right or up. You should be able to see the key slot for the emergency key to unlock the door once the cover has been removed.
The next course of action would be to call the police if your key fob does not contain a concealed key or if you are unable to locate the emergency key slot to unlock the door. They are competent at unlocking doors and breaking into automobiles. To open your door, they’ll use a Slim Jim, a long, thin instrument. To catch and release the lock mechanism, the tool is pushed into the door between the glass and door panel.
The driver’s door glass can be broken out with a rock or other hard object if everything else fails, no cop is present to assist you in getting inside your car, and you have no choice but to get inside by any means necessary (for example, to rescue a tiny child or a trapped pet on a hot day). the door by reaching inside and doing so.
Prevent Thieves from Hacking Your Key Fob to Unlock Your Doors
The ability to ping your key fob for a signal from the code has been developed by car thieves. The device has the same range as your key fob, so it can hack your fob from up to 30 or 40 feet away, whether it’s in your pocket or at home. Your fob replies to your car in code when it detects the bogus signal. The thief captures the signal and uses it to unlock your doors later on. The criminal can steal your automobile if the fob is also used to start the engine.
Wrapping your key fob in aluminum foil while your car is parked is the most effective technique to “foil” would-be auto thieves utilizing this trick. Alternately, keep your keychain inside a closed metal container, such an Altoids can or an old coffee can with a metal lid. To prevent your fob from being hacked, the metal enclosure must completely enclose the fob. This will block all radio signals.